Life Lessons Right This Minute

DAY 28

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

You all know this scene!

I'm in the middle of a deadline, an article about, of all things, beauty etiquette and manners, and thought I'd squeeze in a blog post before the clock strikes midnight—my daily personal blog deadline for the last 28(!) days. I don't intend to do a third "Oops" post.

At the moment, I'm thinking about my friend Frances who had just given birth to her little bundle of joy (and, who had even managed to squeeze in a blog post in the middle of labor!). I've just glanced at the MMS again and my heart feels such joy for her and I simply find motherhood so magical. It's just different when it happens to a loved one, especially someone with whom you've shared the "no-children" sentiment for the longest time, only to eventually have Mother Nature have the last laugh. I know I'd be going down that road someday, no matter how much I repeatedly object.

So, as I think about all that, here are some notes I'd like to put in before I go back to my article.

1. Good manners go a long way.

Since I've already brought up the subject, might as well indulge. I've talked about my Tita Joan so many times in this blog. Again, I'm bringing her up, because if there's someone who's the epitome of good manners and grace, it's her. True, my teens were marked by non-stop prompts to be "sensitive toward others" and to be more aware of my surroundings. But now that I'm older, I realize that the more manners come second to nature to a person, the better s/he can function in society and focus on the more important things. There's a reason why your parents teach you not to talk with your mouth full when you're little; or to not interrupt in conversations: because when you're older, there's really not much time to fixate on these things as you try to live your life. However, I believe one should take some sort of refresher course every now and then (I'd written two posts here in this blog back in November—part 1 and part 2—on etiquette if you're interested). And, when etiquette-related boo-boos happen, one must simply have a sense of humor about it. Again, there are bigger things in life than getting your place settings right.


2. Peace that passes understanding.

I've just skimmed my "Go in peace" post from last year's Inspiration Series. I had a feeling I'd already written about this phrase and true enough, I have. I just got reminded of it yesterday when I finally was able to speak of the pain with the person who had caused all that pain (actually, come to think of it, even moments before that if I remember correctly). I know that over the past two years, I'd reconciled the issue and have weighed in on the benefits of having gone through that time...and emerging a happier person. But, it was nice to finally speak out and get it out there...and officially put an end to that chapter and happily move along.


3. Positive people attract positive EVERYTHING.

I've witnessed this in friends and former colleagues, including Frances. People who, with conviction, know that life is good, and goodness in life is abundant, truly live in goodness and abundance! They attract life's best moments, opportunities, and experiences, and celebrate accordingly. This only reminds me further that happiness is a decision you make. You can choose to fixate on what's wrong in your life and in the world, but time is better spent reveling in the brighter side of things.

Image courtesy of Warner Bros. and http://www.hotflick.net.